Get ready to hunt! Monster Hunter Wilds launches globally on Friday, February 28th, but a clever trick lets you play early. This guide explains how to use the "New Zealand trick" to jump into the action sooner.
How to Play Monster Hunter Wilds Early with the New Zealand Trick on Xbox Series X|S
The easiest method for early access is on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox allows simple region changes, effectively shifting your console's timezone. Here's how:
- Navigate to your Xbox settings.
- Go to the System tab, then Language & location.
- Change your Location to New Zealand.
- Restart your Xbox.
That's it! You should now be able to play Monster Hunter Wilds alongside the earliest release region.
How to Play Monster Hunter Wilds Early on PlayStation and PC
While not as straightforward as on Xbox, the New Zealand trick is still possible on PlayStation and PC, though it requires more effort. Since directly changing your region won't work, you'll need a separate account:
- Create a new PSN or Steam account using a New Zealand address.
- Purchase Monster Hunter Wilds on this account using New Zealand dollars (NZ$). Note that the NZ$ price might be slightly higher than the USD equivalent. You may need to purchase NZ$ gift cards from a third-party retailer depending on your payment method.
Monster Hunter Wilds Regional Rollout
The game's release time varies across regions. Auckland, New Zealand, gets the earliest access at 12 AM NZDT (6 AM the previous day in New York, 3 AM PST). Using the New Zealand trick, US players can potentially play almost a full day early, starting Thursday, February 27th.
Happy hunting!
